SRINAGAR: With Power Development Department (PDD) stepping up the smart metering process across Kashmir including in Srinagar, a complete shutdown was observed in the Gojwara area in the old city on Thursday amid protests against the move.
All shops and business establishments remained closed in the area, with locals, mainly women, hitting the streets to protest against meter installation.
The protesting Gojwara residents alleged that the electricity supply was snapped as soon as smart meters were installed in the area on Wednesday. They urged the administration to have pity on the poor masses given the desperate economic condition of the people of Kashmir.
It may be in place to mention that PDD has urged consumers to port their postpaid smart meter connections into prepaid mode after July 1 to avoid disconnection.
“We cannot afford billing through smart meters as our economic condition is worse beyond imagination. We appeal to the administration to get it revoked for the larger interest of people,” Raja, a protesting woman said.
She said they have been reeling under darkness since last evening after smart power meters were installed in the area.
“Why is this cruelty being meted out to the people of Kashmir? The government first curtailed our ration quota from 15 kg to 3.5 kg a month, and now it has come with another dictatorial order for smart meter installation. If the government talks about ‘Naya Kashmir’, then what makes it give sleepless nights to the poor?” Jahangir Ahmad, another protester said.
Meanwhile, the residents blocked the main road and halted traffic movement in the area, demanding the government remove smart meters without any further delay.
